Cotabato City among top 50 competitive cities

COTABATO CITY (Aug. 29/NDBC) --The city still emerged as among the most competitive cities in the country for 2014 despite the bad perceptions due to the incidence of violence here, such as the August 19 bomb blast that injured several people.The competitiveness index is a yearly endeavor by the government-and-privately-led National Competitiveness Council, which aims to promote a more competitive Philippines and instill a culture of excellence, through public-private sector collaboration as a means to reduce poverty through inclusive growth.”In the national rankings, which Makati City has topped, the NCC ranked this city 39th most competitive in terms of economic dynamism, government efficiency and infrastructure, with scores of 9.40, 15.95 and 8.73 respectively. Out of 136 cities surveyed, Cotabato was among the top 50,” an elated Mayor Japal Guiani, Jr. said in reaction to the NCC index.He attributed the good ranking to the united efforts of the government and community in the improving security and business climate.”Last year, the city was ranked 31st but officials here said it did not actually slid. Last year’s base figure for the ranking was 122 cities.For 2014, it was increased to 133 cities. We are way ahead of Quezon, which was ranked 49th, or Tagaytay, Puerto Princesa, and Dumaguete, ranked 72nd, 89th, and 132nd this year,” respectively, said Halima Satol-Ibrahim, city government information chief, said.City Administrator Cynthia Sayadi said amid the occasional breakdown of law and order – which appears common in any developing area, this citation belongs to us, who labored to keep the peace and promote harmony toward free enterprise.” (NDBC)